What is a mesh Wi-Fi router, and do you need one? By Anthony Spadafora last updated 15 May 23 A mesh Wi-Fi system or mesh router is the perfect solution for better wireless coverage in larger homes, especially if you have dead zones.
What internet speed do I need? Here's how many Mbps is enough By Anthony Spadafora last updated 2 May 23 These are the internet speed improvements you should pay for and those that you shouldn’t.
Wi-Fi 6: What it is and why it’s better By Anthony Spadafora last updated 31 January 23 The new standard for super-fast wireless internet is Wi-Fi 6, but a 6GHz boost makes Wi-Fi 6e even better.
What is a multi-gig router and do you need one? By Anthony Spadafora published 29 January 23 Multi-gig routers with 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports are quickly becoming more common as internet plans with even faster speeds are being rolled out across the U.S.
Modem vs. Router: How They're Different and What They Do By Anthony Domanico last updated 31 March 21 Here's a quick overview of modems and routers, how they work together to bring you wireless connectivity and why they're best kept separate.
5 essential smart TV security tips to protect your privacy By Paul Wagenseil last updated 8 December 19 Smart TVs often have pretty dumb security and can create big privacy risks. Here's how to reduce your exposure.
Here's How to Check If Your Current Phone Plan Is Good (or Bad) By Philip Michaels published 5 May 19 Cellphone plans are constantly changing. Make sure your carrier isn't offering something better than the plan you've held on to for years.
Join the New Tom’s Community By Tom's Guide Staff published 5 February 19 We’re rolling out a substantial upgrade to the Tom's Guide forums. Here's what you need to know.
What Is Net Neutrality? By Tom's Guide Staff published 14 December 17 The FCC, courts, politicians and major tech companies are fighting over how you will access the Internet in the future. Here's what you need to know.
What Is Pix2Pix, and How Do You Use It? By Don Reisinger published 16 June 17 Pix2Pix is a creative application for artificial intelligence that can turn a crude line drawing into an oil painting. Here's how it works and how to try it yourself.
What Is Jet.com? And How to Use It By Cherlynn Low published 8 August 16 Jet.com is challenging Amazon and promises to make online shopping even cheaper. It's even starting to offer grocery deliveries. Here's how Jet.com works.
What Is Finstagram? By Lauren L'Amie published 3 August 16 With the emergence of fake Instagram accounts, or "Finstagrams," teens are taking charge of social media by creating anonymous online personas.
What Is Sponsored Data? By Cherlynn Low published 19 January 16 AT&T's and Verizon's Sponsored Data offers let customers get certain content over 4G for free, but what does that mean for net neutrality?
What Is A Web Bot? By Tom's Guide Staff, Elaine J. Hom published 28 November 13 A Web bot is an automated software program used to perform relatively simple and repetitive online tasks that would otherwise be too difficult or mundane for a human to continuously perform.
Hubs, Switches and Routers: What's the Difference? By Tom's Guide Staff published 31 October 13 Hubs, switches and routers make computer networking, and the Internet, possible. Yet most of us don't know what they are, or how they work.
Sandbox: A Separate Space for Developers to 'Play' By Elizabeth Palermo published 24 October 13 Virtual sandboxing allows technology users to test programs in a controlled environment without sullying the entire network.
What Is Tor? Answers to Frequently Asked Questions By Jill Scharr published 23 October 13 What is Tor? How does it help your online privacy? Can the NSA spy on it? All your questions about The Onion Router, aka Tor, are answered in this FAQ.
SSL vs. TLS: The Future of Data Encryption By Marshall Honorof published 6 September 13 Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol is responsible for keeping a lot of your online data secure, and the NSA has likely already cracked it.
2.4 GHz Antenna Gain vs. Range Table By TG Publishing Team published 8 March 03 Ranges are based on ideal outdoor conditions and using standard Lucent Technologies accessories. The distances referenced here are approximations and should be used for estimation purposes only.
A Guide to Router Hardware Terminology By TG Publishing Team published 25 December 02 Even though you have our general recommendations, you should still understand the features you're likely to find in your router, and what they do.